Monday, January 17, 2011

Note to Self: What Blogging Will Not Do

IMG_3095

Note to Self:

Blogging does wonderful things for the creative soul, the mind, and the heart.

The rewards are wonderful,


but it will not:

*wash dishes, organize a pantry, clear away clutter, or rearrange the garage

*plan menus, go the grocery store, put groceries away, or cook dinner

*write a thank you note, invite a friend to lunch, bake a birthday cake

*plan a project, gather the needed supplies, or  finish a project

*walk for 30 minutes, drink 8 glasses of water, or avoid eating out.


Does this make sense?

How do you manage your blogging ‘time’?

Do you block time for it?



 

33 comments:

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I am not managing my time well. I think I need to have a managed block so that I can keep up with the everyday chores.

Designs on 47th Street said...

Laura, I'm glad you presented us with this question. I will be interested to see what others say. Blogging is certainly addictive and I have to really watch myself with this. At times I've considered not checking blogs in the evening when I could be reading a book instead.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I laughed out loud when I read your post!
This is exactly why I did not link up with some blogging parties this week, as I an working on my "to do" list. When I take a break, I do a little peeking. I have a few things marked off the list today (had some interruptions), and will start on it again tomorrow.
Have a great week.
Glenda

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, I'm finding it harder to find time to blog, but I try and make time to do it. I will check in at points during the day, but I can't do a post more than a few times a week. And I try to visit every person who visits me if I'm doing a meme.

I've been sick for a month, and since I'm in, I find more time to blog. But it is time consuming. Still, I have made some wonderful friends who are friends off the blog, and I wouldn't trade blogging for this reason.

I don't know that I answered your question, but I do understand your plight.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Karen said...

Laura, first of all, I can smell that rose! It is gorgeous!!
I am so terrible at scheduling or "blocking" time for things. During very brief periods of my life when I have forced myself to follow a schedule I have enjoyed it. Then something happens to throw me off (and that's not hard to do) and I get off kilter. In a long way around to giving you an answer... I grab blogging time when I can. Such as today. I did manage to pack five big bins of Christmas decorations but in between those... I blogged. Feels great to write and create.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

I just try to do the best I can...it does take a lot of time!

Blessings,
Linda

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Laura I love blogging and reading blogs and all the parties..but I have to find a balance. Now how? that is the question. So I'm no help to you at all.

NanaDiana said...

I am trying to stick to doing this in the evening after the hubster goes to bed...and early in the morning before he gets up. Other than that I can check blogs periodically when I am at work. If I am not careful...it could become all-consuming. I think it could be my addiction of choice...right after alcohol and gambling...just kidding...I don't do either...lol

That is why I haven't joined any of the "parties" because I don't want to join one and not another...or feel like I have snubbed someone...or left someone out. That is one reason I don't care if my blog gets any bigger...I love being able to reply to each person that leaves a comment (unless they have a no-reply address...darn them). I like the feeling of being connected and getting to "know" a few bloggers well rather than visiting 1000 blogs and not really getting to "know" those bloggers at all. Not sure if this made any sense...but oh well...sometimes I don't...

Hugs-and I LOVE coming to visit you and don't you DARE give up blogging..or I will have to hunt you down and...well...you'll see- Hugs- Diana

Sarah said...

Laura, I think that is THE question most of us ask ourselves. I find that I just do what I can. I think it's important to keep a balance, but it certainly isn't easy. I'll be interested to read what others have to say. My goal this year is to try to be more ahead of the game with creating posts so that I'm not always putting something together at the last minute. I always enjoy what you have to share and consider. Thanks! ~ Sarah

Pondside said...

It's good to think about our time. I know that I let it get away from me - I'll sit down and an hour later I realize that I haven't looked up. I blog early in the morning and then read posts a bit in the evening. Because I'm at the office all day, and still have other things to do, I don't get to read as much as I'd like, or comment as often as I'd like.

Dixie said...

Laura, as you may have noticed... I just have to go "cold-turkey" for a while... ;) Dixie

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Somedays are better than others! Like many others, I can SO relate to this!

Marigene said...

I have been spending far too much time on the computer...it is hard to find time to do things that should be done when there is so much good reading!

Debra@CommonGround said...

one thing blogging CAN do: bring people together!
xoxo,
Debra

Jordanna said...

Oh my gosh, you articulated my thoughts exactly! I am so struggling trying to balance blogging with life, and I find when I do the things that seem more important, I don't blog. But I miss it! Let me know if you have any more wisdom on this - I'm definitely curious! :)
Oh, I'm Jordanna :) I just found your blog from Dawn. :) I'll have to read through it more - looks cute!

ipad apps said...

I like to post blog my self.

Jojo said...

Such a good question. Work really helps me structure my day. I just can't imagine being home all day with the temptation of the computer/blogging. One thing that helps me when I'm home on weekends is having a list. If I have tasks to be done, it's easier to accomplish things if they are listed out. Unfortunately if I don't get that task list prepared in advance, you know what they say..."one good blog leads to another!"

Nancy said...

I try to keep to a schedule as far as reading and writing is concerned. I block out a couple of early morning hours each day to visit the blogs I enjoy and to comment -- and try to have at least a couple of blog posts scheduled, so I can take a day off to do other more pressing things.

Jayne said...

You know, when I tell people I get up at 5AM, what I don't tell them is that after I get ready, have breakfast while reading the paper, I am in with my coffee, in the dark, having my blogging time. :c) Most every morning from say 6:15-7, here I am. I adore this time, and find it works for me. Most often, evenings get too busy, so morning is my time.

ChRiS said...

i am not a blogger but i find just reading takes alot time....but i see someone ask this every day....you have to find a comfort zone and except that.....don't think anyone expects a daily reading from a blogger and if you find that you have nothing to really blog about.. don't.. it will never be the end of the world if you don't sign in everyday....enjoy your moments

trash talk said...

Blocking time would mean I'm organized and we both know that ship has already sailed...without me! I was spending way too much time on line, but with the new year I've decided that had to stop. I'll visit in the early mornings and maybe late at night. The daytime is for getting up and getting bizzy!
Deb
P.S. It also cannot do-si-do me across a dance floor or hold my hand back to the table. It (you) can inspire me to go do-si-doing!

Theresa said...

I spend my early morning sipping my coffee and reading blogs! I also sit before bedtime with my laptop, create my morning blog and publish it the next morning while sipping my coffee and reading blogs:) I have an IPhone and sometimes read the comments during the day! BUT, I don't have nearly as many followers as some of you do! I find that the more followers I get, the more time it takes to keep up! Hope you find some balance!

Have a blessed day, HUGS!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Laura, It is very difficult to find a balance. I have been thinking of stopping for just this reason. I read so many and then feel guilty for not having time to comment all of the time. I know it takes away from things I should be doing and even other things I like to do. I have considered calling it quits this year but I would miss everyone. I have seen some very prolific bloggers cutting back or shutting down lately just for this reason. I am thinking I will only visit from my iphone when I have a free moment waiting or just before bed instead of reading. That way I will only allow reading on the treadmill. Two problems tackled! Hope you can find your balance. Hugs, Pam

Heather said...

Ideas seem to come in bunches for me. I'm not afraid to start a post, either with words or pictures, and not actually post it for weeks (sometimes months). I always try to write down ideas for future posts when they come to me. I have about 10 blogs that I read DAILY while I eat breakfast. The rest, I try to read once a week, usually on the weekend. Good luck with the balance. Life doesn't happen on a screen!

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh finding the time, that's the hardest, isn't it? I'll start and not finish for quite some time and then sit down and work on several! If I could, I'd blog all day long and all evening long!

In my mind, you've got it down pat! Your blog is awesome.

Hugs,
Nancy

Claudia said...

I just do what I can do. Sometimes, I have to cut back a little because my work has to become my priority. I've learned to comment when I can - I try to visit everyone once a week with a comment, but even that can be very hard some weeks.

I think everyone struggles with this and we just have to do the best we can and know that those who really care will understand.

xo
Claudia

Darla said...

I'm a stay at home mom and usually do my posts around 5 in the morning, spend about thirty minutes visiting and then visit on and off a couple of times for a few minutes during the day. Like right now, the two older girls are home doing homework, I'm waiting on a load of laundry to dry..

Olive said...

Haha...I clean in spurts and blog the same way. Sometimes I do not look at blogs for days. I am not predictable at all. Which reminds me I am going to clean a ceiling fan right now! hugs♥O

Deb said...

it's hard to balance sometimes...I try to reward myself for getting things done with a little extra blogging time..great post

Cheri said...

You are so right, but for me (with the nerve damage and chronic pain) blogging and reading your blogs brightens my day. Gives me a distraction for the pain. I'd be in some sort of funk without them - I love everyone sharing. Even though I can't do most if any of the projects anymore, I love getting inspired!!

June said...

I had to Laura...manage it I mean. It means I miss some of my favorite blog posts...but WHEN it is bloggong time, I can give more attention to the blogs I visit. I post so much less than I did before, but now I'm enjoying it more. Enjoying it more than ever!
hugs to you...

Lisa said...

I would rather spend time reading your blog! I guess that is why I am here instead of sanding my kitchen floor...I think I am becoming a "white spray paint" addict, lol! I really, really wish that my blog could sand floors...I usually fly by the seat of my pants...because until this week? I only had a few "Dilletante's" that would read my blog...but thanks to amazing women like you? I have quite a few more! so I better start sanding...

Unknown said...

rockets jerseys
ralph lauren sale
chi flat iron
coach outlet online
nike store
ralph lauren outlet online
hollister kids
red bottom
cheap jordan shoes
coach factory outlet online
xushengda0526

 

design + development by kelly christine studio